Helderberg Hawks, who were named Boland Premier League (BPL) Franchise of the Year 2022, has announced a name change; from now on it will be known as the Helderberg Wild Cats.
The amateur cricket team played in the inaugural BPL season at the end of last year and boast six division teams, including u-11, u-12, u-13, u-15, u-17 and u-19 teams.
Damian Fuller, director of cricket coaching for the Helderberg Cricket franchise and owner of the FP Elite Cricket Academy in Somerset West, conceded both the academy and franchise had a highly successful season last year, winning four gold medals, a silver and a bronze in the inaugural BPL tournament.
“The Helderberg Wild Cats is a team changed in name only,” a statement pointed out. “The Wild Cats will operate with the same owners, managers and coaches as the Hawks previously. The team will also adopt the same ethos, spirit of fair play and playing style that has brought such success in the past. Also important is that the Helderberg Wild Cats will be an independent team that falls under our control entirely and is not linked directly to any other entity or competition. As the Wild Cats not only have we received a long-term invitation to participate in the new BolandT20, but we are also free to compete in other competitions, tours or events that we feel will benefit our players should we wish.
“While we are obviously sad to say goodbye to the Hawks and will carry those memories forward with us, we are very excited about the launch of the Helderberg Wild Cats and the freedoms the new team will allow us to showcase the talent in our area.
“The name Wild Cats refers not only to the aggressive style of play and the tenacious ‘never say die’ attitude we saw from all our teams last year, but is also a nod to the beautiful caracal or rooikat that is native to the Helderberg region.”
